New Mexico’s largest body of water, Elephant Butte Lake is a fisherman’s paradise known for record-breaking black, white, and striped bass, as well as crappie and bluegill.
The lake offers miles of trails, sandy beaches, and magnificent views along its 43-mile length. Admission / park fees are $5 per car for New Mexico residents, $10 per car for out-of-state visitors. Walk or bike in for free! Annual day use park passes (good at any state park in NM) are $75 for residents, $150 for non-residents. See the complete fee schedule here.
About Elephant Butte Lake
Elephant Butte Lake State Park encompasses 40,000 acres. Camp sites for tents and RVs are available. A Visitor Center is located near the main gate.
The lake is abuzz in the summer, especially on the three big holiday weekends — Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Jet skis, powerboats and pontoons are popular forms of transportation out on the water, while many swimmers cool off along the shorelines.
In cooler months the lake provides a serene setting for sail boats, paddleboards or kayaking. Birds of all kinds can be seen at the lake, especially during migration season. Boating, camping and hikes on the walking trails or strolls on the sandy beach are available year-round.
There are two marinas to serve boaters.
The Damsite Recreation Area, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930s, has been designated a Historic District. The site retains the flavor of the lake’s historic past and includes cabins, an RV park, rock-lined paths, and the charming Dam Site Lodge, housed in the old Administration Building dating from 1911 and the dam-building days.
Marinas / Boat Rentals
Read State Parks Boating Rules HereElephant Butte Bait & Fishing Supplies
Butte General Store & Marine
bait, fishing supplies, fuel, snacks, watercraft sales
Dam Site Marina
accessories, bait, candy, fishing supplies, snacks, t-shirts
Marina del Sur
bait, fishing supplies, sporting goods, watercraft rentals
Pat’s
bottled beer, bottled wine, fishing supplies, fuel, groceries, packaged liquor, sporting goods
Zia Kayak Outfitters
fishing supplies, sporting goods, watercraft sales
Lake levels
Maps
Elephant Butte Lake State Park main gate
Elephant Butte Dam overlook
Elephant Butte Lake Events
Here are just a few of the events you can attend at the lake. Details are subject to change, always check websites or social media for up-to-date info.
